FRSC Recovers N8.6 Million At Accident Scene In Kaduna

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October 1, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Besides rescuing three persons involved in a road accident, the Kaduna Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps FRSC on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, announced the recovery of N8.6 million from the accident scene according to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN.

Sector Commander, Kabir Nadabo, who revealed this in Kaduna, said the accident which occurred in Area G, Samaru, along Zaria Futua road, involved a Nigerian Army vehicle and a Toyota Corolla vehicle belonging to a private person.

The accident which occurred at about 1900hrs left two of the three persons involved with varying degrees of injuries. The third person was, however, unhurt.

Preliminary investigation, the FRSC Sector Commander said, is attributable to speed, resulting in the loss of control by the Toyota driver.

The two vehicles were said to be traveling in opposite direction before crashing into each other.

While the Army Ford vehicle was moving towards Futua ,the private Toyota was heading for Zaria.

“The injured were conveyed to the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in Shika for further treatment.

“In addition, to the rescue conducted, a sum of N8.6 million was recovered at the scene.

“The entire amount belongs to the owner of the red Toyota Corolla, while arrangements are being made for him to fully recover before handing over the money to him” Nadabo stated .

The rescue efforts were conducted by operatives from Zebra 55 Shika ,who were led by their head .

The Commander appealed, to motorists and other road users to cultivate the culture of safety as a veritable way towards minimizing road accidents.

He, however, expressed gratitude to the Kaduna State authorities for their unrelenting support to the Service in its quest to keep the roads safe.

Council Of Legal Education Sanctions Nine Universities Over Admission Racketeering

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Ayodele Oni

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October 1, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Nine universities in the country have been sanctioned by the Council of Legal Education (CLE), for non compliance with laid down regulations.

The universities, out of which six are privately owned, were suspended for admission of students into their faculties of law without approval of the council.

This is one of the decisions of CLE during its second quarterly meeting of 2024, chaired by Chief Emeka Ngige, SAN.

The Universities in question were found to have admitted and graduated law students without obtaining the necessary accreditation from the CLE.

In addition to the suspension of admissions, Lead City University in Ibadan, Oyo State, has been placed under a five-year moratorium.

The CLE cited inadequate infrastructure and repeated violations of the University’s admission quota as the reasons for this decision.

The Council has pledged to accommodate the over 1,000 students unlawfully admitted by Lead City University within the available space.

The CLE also addressed a recent judgment against it regarding a property in Lagos that once housed the first Nigerian Law School students. An ad-hoc committee has been set up to ensure compliance with the judgment and explore options for securing the historic building.

Furthermore, the council granted provisional accreditation status to two private universities: El-Amin University and Newgate University, both located in Minna, Niger State. These institutions have been given an admission quota of 50 students each.

The CLE promised to revisit the Faculty of Law at Veritas University in Abuja and Kola Daisi University in Ibadan at a later date to assess their compliance with the accreditation team’s findings.

The University of Abuja, however, has its admission quota increased from 100 to 160 students due to improvements in infrastructure and the recruitment of additional academic staff.

Lastly, the Council approved the establishment of a legal unit within the office of the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School to monitor court cases involving the CLE and keep the council informed of any developments.

GTCO Launches “Fund 724” To Create Wealth

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James Orji

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October 1, 2024

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Nigeria’s leading financial institution, Guaranty Trust Holding Company PLC, GTCO, has launched of the Guaranty Trust Fund Managers Limited (“GTFML” or the “Fund Manager”), which is one of its asset management subsidiary.

The Guaranty Trust Investment Fund 724 (“Fund 724”), an open-ended, naira-denominated Unit Trust Scheme is duly authorised and registered by the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC.

The Scheme lists 10,000,000 Units of ₦100.00 each in the Fund, by way of Offer for Subscription and aims to distribute the capital growth it generates from a diversified portfolio of money market instruments, including fixed deposits, commercial papers, Nigerian Treasury Bills, and other short-term instruments to subscribers of the scheme. With a minimum subscription of ₦1,000.00 (one thousand naira only), Fund 724 offers every Nigerian an opportunity to earn more on their savings along with the flexibility of easy access and withdrawals. The scheme will track 91-day average Nigerian Treasury Bills’ yield of the preceding month.

Speaking during the launching, Josephine Essien, Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer of GTFM Limited, said: “We are very excited to bring a retail product that empowers the every day Nigerian to compound the growth of their savings, whilst retaining the flexibility of withdrawals to meet their everyday needs. When most people think about asset management, they think of it as something that is reserved for a privileged few who already have significant financial resources.

Guaranty Trust Fund Managers hopes to change this narrative with the launch of the retail product, Fund 724, designed to provide access to long term capital growth for the everyday Nigerian, who has as little as ₦1,000 to save.”

She added, “We understand that financial independence is built over time, and our goal is to provide a flexible and transparent platform for wealth creation.

Fund 724 offers retail customers competitive returns and combines ease of subscription with the flexibility of withdrawals, making it a practical solution for individuals at every stage of their financial journey.”

Applications for the Guaranty Trust Investment Fund 724 has opened on September 30, 2024. Minimum subscription amount is ₦1,000.00, with additional units available in multiples of 10 lots.

Nigeria’s leading financial institution, Guaranty Trust Holding Company PLC, GTCO, has launched of the Guaranty Trust Fund Managers Limited (“GTFML” or the “Fund Manager”), which is one of its asset management subsidiary.

The Guaranty Trust Investment Fund 724 (“Fund 724”), an open-ended, naira-denominated Unit Trust Scheme is duly authorised and registered by the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC.

The Scheme lists 10,000,000 Units of ₦100.00 each in the Fund, by way of Offer for Subscription and aims to distribute the capital growth it generates from a diversified portfolio of money market instruments, including fixed deposits, commercial papers, Nigerian Treasury Bills, and other short-term instruments to subscribers of the scheme. With a minimum subscription of ₦1,000.00 (one thousand naira only), Fund 724 offers every Nigerian an opportunity to earn more on their savings along with the flexibility of easy access and withdrawals.

The scheme will track 91-day average Nigerian Treasury Bills’ yield of the preceding month.

Speaking during the launching, Josephine Essien, Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer of GTFM Limited, said: “We are very excited to bring a retail product that empowers the every day Nigerian to compound the growth of their savings, whilst retaining the flexibility of withdrawals to meet their everyday needs. When most people think about asset management, they think of it as something that is reserved for a privileged few who already have significant financial resources.

Guaranty Trust Fund Managers hopes to change this narrative with the launch of the retail product, Fund 724, designed to provide access to long term capital growth for the everyday Nigerian, who has as little as ₦1,000 to save.”

She added, “We understand that financial independence is built over time, and our goal is to provide a flexible and transparent platform for wealth creation.

Fund 724 offers retail customers competitive returns and combines ease of subscription with the flexibility of withdrawals, making it a practical solution for individuals at every stage of their financial journey.”

Applications for the Guaranty Trust Investment Fund 724 has opened on September 30, 2024. Minimum subscription amount is ₦1,000.00, with additional units available in multiples of 10 lots.

Nigeria’s Security@64: “We Eliminated Boko Haram, Bandits Commanders” – Tinubu Boasts

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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October 1, 2024

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The drastic security measures being taken by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is paying off, it has led to the elimination of Boko Haram and bandits leaders in the northern part of the country.

Security forces have also reduced the existential threats posed by other non state actors to the country stability, according to President Tinubu in his nationwide broadcast to mark the nation’s 64^th independence.

Dozens of terrorists and bandits commanders and foot soldiers have been neutralised in the last few days by the combined efforts of security forces, who have vowed not to relent until criminals that pose security threats to the country are totally vanquished.

President Tinubu said this is an indication that “the administration is wining the war on terror and banditry” adding that peace is being restored to many communities in the north hitherto under the control of Boko Haram and bandits.

His administration will not relent until total peace is restored, assuring farmers that efforts are underway to return them to their farms so that food security can be assured for the country.

According to the president, “I am happy to announce to you, my compatriots, that our administration is winning the war on terror and banditry. Our target is to eliminate all the threats of Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and the scourge of all forms of violent extremism. Within one year, our government has eliminated Boko Haram and bandit commanders faster than ever. As of the last count, over 300 Boko Haram and bandit commanders have been eliminated by our gallant troops in the Northeast, Northwest, and some other parts of the country.

“We have restored peace to hundreds of communities in the North, and thousands of our people have been able to return home. It is an unfinished business, which our security agencies are committed to ending as quickly as possible. As soon as we can restore peace to many communities in the troubled parts of the North, our farmers can return to their farms. We expect to see a leap in food production and a downward spiral in food costs. I promise you, we shall not falter on this.”

On Sunday, the Nigerian Armed Forces announced the elimination of a notorious bandit leader, Gajere, also known as Mai’Yar Gitta. Gitta, is the latest in the prominent bandit leaders to be eliminated as Nigerian troops continue their clearance operations in the northern parts of the country

According to checks, other notable bandit leaders neutralised in the last few weeks include Haliru Kachalla Sububu or Buzu; Kachalla Tukur Sharme (killed by a rival gang); Sani Black, another prominent bandit leader, killed along with his brother and two children; Kachalla Makore; Kachalla Mai Shayi; Kachalla Tsoho Lulu; and Mai’Yar Gitta.

Nigeria Is Work In Progress, Tinubu Says 64yrs After Independence

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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October 1, 2024

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Nigeria’s president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu says he’s working to ensure that the dreams of the nation’s founding fathers are achieved.

According to him, his administration has put its hand on the ‘plough’ to ensure that the lofty ideas of the nation’s founding leaders come to reality.

The president spoke on Tuesday in Abuja, the nation’s capital, in his nationwide broadcast to mark the country’s independence from The Great Britain.

On October 1, 1960 Nigeria gained independence from the British government, joining other countries in Africa which had earlier obtained freedom from the colonial administration.

At independence over 64 years ago, many Nigerians had lofty hopes that their lives will be transformed by their own leaders who had taken over the reign of government.

In fact, subsequent leaders and administrations in the country had promised good government and a better life for Nigerians, only to fail later while the masses continue to wallow in anguish.

Similar to its predecessors, President Tinubu, after ascension to power on May 29, 2023, promised that things will get better in the country, more than a year after Nigerians are still waiting to experience transformation.

But speaking in the televised nationwide broadcast today, President Tinubu said works are in progress to make the country great, stressing that the journey to transform the country has already started. Greatness, the president said, cannot be achieved in one day, adding that his government is already building on the foundations set by the nation’s past leaders.

According to the president, the current crisis will be overcome the same way Nigeria survived the Civil War, adding that despite the past challenges the country has remained “strong, united and viable sovereign” country.

Tinubu said, “The dreams that our founding fathers envisaged are still a work in progress. Every day, we put our hands on the plough, determined to do a better job of it.

“While it is tempting to focus on what has been left undone and where we have stumbled as a nation, we must never lose sight of how far we have come in forging and holding our country together.

“Since independence, our nation has survived many crises and upheavals that led to the dissolution and disintegration of many other nations worldwide. Six years after independence, our country descended into a political crisis that led to a bitter and avoidable civil war. Since returning from the brink of that darkest moment, we have learned to embrace our diversity and manage our differences better as we continue to work towards engendering a more perfect union.

“Despite the many challenges that buffeted our country, we remain a strong, united, and viable sovereign nation.”

Hardship: Tinubu Begs Nigerians To Be Patient, Says I’ve Heard Your Voices

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

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October 1, 2024

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Bola Ahmed Tinubu - President — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appealed to Nigerians to be more patient with his administration.

The president made the compassionate call, on Tuesday, in commemoration of the nation’s 64^th Independence anniversary.

According to him, the administration understands what many Nigerians are going through at the moment, and is taking deliberate steps to ameliorate the situation.

Across the country, there is low key celebrations in line with President Tinubu’s directive, due to the current economic situation in the country.

The magazine also reported that some Nigerians under the aegis of #Takeitback have set aside Tuesday to protest across the country, to draw government’s attention to the sufferings being experienced by many Nigerians.

Tinubu’s critics have blamed his government for making life more difficult for Nigerians due to its unfriendly policies.

For instance, the hike in the cost of petrol after the administration removed subsidy has pushed the cost of food and other household items to an unprecedented high level.

The government had also stopped paying subsidy on naira, a situation that has led to serious devaluation of the national currency.

These policies, critics of the administration say, were hastily implemented without due consultations with relevant stakeholders, and have led to frustrations across the country, while many have been further pushed into poverty.

In spite of the growing anger against his government, President Tinubu said deIlberate efforts are being made to turn the situation around for the better.

Tinubu said, “I am deeply aware of the struggles many of you face in these challenging times. Our administration knows that many of you struggle with rising living costs and the search for meaningful employment. I want to assure you that your voices are heard.

As your President, I assure you that we are committed to finding sustainable solutions to alleviate the suffering of our citizens. Once again, I plead for your patience as the reforms we are implementing show positive signs, and we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel.”

Meanwhile, not a few Nigerians who listened to the president speak said he should go beyond mere rhetoric by taking decisive steps to improve the economic conditions of the masses.

Nigeria@64: President Tinubu’s Independence Speech

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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October 1, 2024

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Fellow Nigerians, as I address you today, I am deeply aware of the struggles many of you face in these challenging times. Our administration knows that many of you struggle with rising living costs and the search for meaningful employment. I want to assure you that your voices are heard.

As your President, I assure you that we are committed to finding sustainable solutions to alleviate the suffering of our citizens. Once again, I plead for your patience as the reforms we are implementing show positive signs, and we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel.

Exactly 64 years ago, our founding fathers chose democracy as a form of government and launched the dream of a great country that would lead the rest of Africa out of poverty, ignorance, and underdevelopment, a beacon of hope to the rest of Africa and the world.

Over six decades later, we can look back, and Nigerians worldwide can see how well we have succeeded in realising the lofty dreams of our founding fathers.

The world is witnessing and benefiting from the can-do spirit of the Nigerian people, our massive intellectual capacity, and our enterprise and industry in all vocations, from arts to science, technology to infrastructure. The dreams that our founding fathers envisaged are still a work in progress. Every day, we put our hands on the plough, determined to do a better job of it.

While it is tempting to focus on what has been left undone and where we have stumbled as a nation, we must never lose sight of how far we have come in forging and holding our country together.

Since independence, our nation has survived many crises and upheavals that led to the dissolution and disintegration of many other nations worldwide. Six years after independence, our country descended into a political crisis that led to a bitter and avoidable civil war. Since returning from the brink of that darkest moment, we have learned to embrace our diversity and manage our differences better as we continue to work towards engendering a more perfect union.

Despite the many challenges that buffeted our country, we remain a strong, united, and viable sovereign nation.

Dear compatriots, our independence anniversary gives us another chance to reflect on how far we have gone in our journey to nation-building and to renew our commitment to building a better nation that will serve present and future generations of Nigerians.

While we celebrate the progress we have made as a people in the last sixty-four years, we must also recognise some of our missed opportunities and mistakes of the past. If we are to become one of the greatest nations on earth, as God has destined us to be, our mistakes must not be allowed to follow us into the future.

My administration took over the leadership of our country 16 months ago at a critical juncture. The economy faced many headwinds, and our physical security was highly impaired. We found ourselves at a dizzying crossroads, where we must choose between two paths: reform for progress and prosperity or carry on business-as-usual and collapse. We decided to reform our political economy and defence architecture.

On the security front, I am happy to announce to you, my compatriots, that our administration is winning the war on terror and banditry. Our target is to eliminate all the threats of Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and the scourge of all forms of violent extremism. Within one year, our government has eliminated Boko Haram and bandit commanders faster than ever. As of the last count, over 300 Boko Haram and bandit commanders have been eliminated by our gallant troops in the Northeast, Northwest, and some other parts of the country.

We have restored peace to hundreds of communities in the North, and thousands of our people have been able to return home. It is an unfinished business, which our security agencies are committed to ending as quickly as possible. As soon as we can restore peace to many communities in the troubled parts of the North, our farmers can return to their farms. We expect to see a leap in food production and a downward spiral in food costs. I promise you, we shall not falter on this.

Our government has been responding to the recent natural disasters, particularly the flooding in parts of the country. After Vice President Kashim Shettima visited Maiduguri, I also visited to assure our people that this federal government will always stand with our people in their times of trouble. At the last meeting of the Federal Executive Council, we approved a Disaster Relief Fund to mobilise private and public sector funds to help us respond faster to emergencies.

Our government has also ordered integrity tests of all our dams in the country to avert future disasters.

The economy is undergoing the necessary reforms and retooling to serve us better and more sustainably. If we do not correct the fiscal misalignments that led to the current economic downturn, our country will face an uncertain future and the peril of unimaginable consequences.

Thanks to the reforms, our country attracted foreign direct investments worth more than $30 billion in the last year.

Fellow compatriots, our administration is committed to free enterprise, free entry, and free exit in investments while maintaining the sanctity and efficacy of our regulatory processes. This principle guides the divestment transactions in our upstream petroleum sector, where we are committed to changing the fortune positively. As such, the ExxonMobil Seplat divestment will receive ministerial approval in a matter of days, having been concluded by the regulator, NUPRC, in line with the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA. This was done in the same manner as other qualified divestments approved in the sector.

The move will create vibrancy and increase oil and gas production, positively impacting our economy.

The more disciplined approach adopted by the Central Bank to monetary policy management has ensured stability and predictability in our foreign exchange market. We inherited a reserve of over $33 billion 16 months ago. Since then, we have paid back the inherited forex backlog of $7 billion. We have cleared the ways and means debt of over N30 trillion. We have reduced the debt service ratio from 97 per cent to 68 per cent. Despite all these, we have managed to keep our foreign reserve at $37 billion. We continue to meet all our obligations and pay our bills.

We are moving ahead with our fiscal policy reforms. To stimulate our productive capacity and create more jobs and prosperity, the Federal Executive Council approved the Economic Stabilisation Bills, which will now be transmitted to the National Assembly. These transformative bills will make our business environment more friendly, stimulate investment and reduce the tax burden on businesses and workers once they are passed into law.

As part of our efforts to re-engineer our political economy, we are resolute in our determination to implement the Supreme Court judgment on the financial autonomy of local governments.

The central concern of our people today is the high cost of living, especially food costs. This concern is shared by many around the globe as prices and the cost of living continue to rise worldwide.

My fellow Nigerians, be assured that we are implementing many measures to reduce the cost of living here at home.

I commend the Governors particularly, in Kebbi, Niger, Jigawa, Kwara, Nasarawa, and the Southwest Governors that have embraced our agricultural production programme. I urge other states to join the Federal Government in investing in mechanised farming. We are playing our part by supplying fertilizer and making tractors and other farm equipment available. Last week, the Federal Executive Council approved establishing a local assembly plant for 2000 John Deere tractors, combine harvesters, disc riders, bottom ploughs and other farm equipment. The plant has a completion time of six months.

Our energy transition programme is on course. We are expanding the adoption of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas for mass transit with private sector players. The Federal Government is ready to assist the thirty-six States and FCT in acquiring CNG buses for cheaper public transportation.

Fellow Nigerians, while we are working to stabilise the economy and secure the country, we also seek to foster national unity and build social harmony and cohesion. Our economy can only thrive when there is peace.

As we work to overcome the challenges of the day, we remain mindful of the next generation as we seek to galvanize their creative energy towards a better future. We lead today with the future we wish to bequeath to our children in focus, recognizing that we cannot design a future that belongs to them without making them its architects.

Considering this, I am pleased to announce the gathering of a National Youth Conference. This conference will be a platform to address the diverse challenges and opportunities confronting our young people, who constitute more than 60 per cent of our population. It will provoke meaningful dialogue and empower our young people to participate actively in nation-building. By ensuring that their voices are heard in shaping the policies that impact their lives, we are creating a pathway for a brighter tomorrow.

The 30-day Confab will unite young people nationwide to collaboratively develop solutions to issues such as education, employment, innovation, security, and social justice. The modalities of this Confab and selection of delegates will be designed in close consultation with our young people through their representatives. Through this confab, it will be our job as leaders to ensure that their aspirations are at the heart of the conference’s deliberations. The government will thoroughly consider and implement the recommendations and outcomes from this forum as we remain resolute in our mission to build a more inclusive, prosperous, and united Nigeria.

Our government is implementing several other youth-centric programmes to give our young people an advantage in the rapidly changing world. We are implementing, amongst others, the 3 million Technical Talents programme (3MTT) of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, aimed at building Nigeria’s technical talent backbone.

We have also enthusiastically implemented the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which provides cheap loans to our students to pursue their tertiary educational dreams. In addition, later this month, we shall launch The Renewed Hope Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP). It is conceived as a comprehensive suite of interventions at job creation by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment that is aimed at facilitating the creation of 2.5 million jobs, directly and indirectly, on an annual incremental basis whilst simultaneously ensuring the welfare and safety of workers across the country.

As is the tradition, the government will soon announce all the beneficiaries of our national honours for 2024.

The Senate President and the Chief Justice of the Federation have been conferred with the honour of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON). The deputy Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives have the honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), while the deputy speaker of the House has been awarded Commander of the Order of Niger (CON) .

Fellow Nigerians, better days are ahead of us. The challenges of the moment must always make us believe in ourselves. We are Nigerians—resilient and tenacious. We always prevail and rise above our circumstances.

I urge you to believe in our nation’s promise. The road ahead may be challenging, but we will forge a path toward a brighter future with your support. Together, we will cultivate a Nigeria that reflects the aspirations of all its citizens, a nation that resonates with pride, dignity, and shared success.

As agents of change, we can shape our destiny and build a brighter future by ourselves, for ourselves and for future generations.

Please join our administration in this journey towards a brighter future. Let us work together to build a greater Nigeria where every citizen can access opportunities and every child can grow up with hope and promise.

May God continue to bless our nation and keep members of our armed forces safe.

Happy Independence anniversary, my fellow Nigerians!

-President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

FG Plans Youths Confab To Unite Young Nigerians

By

Ayodele Oni

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October 1, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has announced a 30-day Confab for Nigerians youths to enable them suggest ideas and advise government on its various policies.

In his nationwide broadcast to mark the 64th independence of Nigeria, the president explained that the Confab will unite young people nationwide to collaboratively develop solutions to issues such as education, employment, innovation, security, and social justice.

“The modalities of this Confab and selection of delegates will be designed in close consultation with our young people through their representatives.

“Through this confab, it will be our job as leaders to ensure that their aspirations are at the heart of the conference’s deliberations.

“The government will thoroughly consider and implement the recommendations and outcomes from this forum as we remain resolute in our mission to build a more inclusive, prosperous, and united Nigeria.

“Our government is implementing several other youth-centric programmes to give our young people an advantage in the rapidly changing world.

“We are implementing, amongst others, the 3 million Technical Talents programme (3MTT) of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, aimed at building Nigeria’s technical talent backbone.

“We have also enthusiastically implemented the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which provides cheap loans to our students to pursue their tertiary educational dreams.

“In addition, later this month, we shall launch The Renewed Hope Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP).

“It is conceived as a comprehensive suite of interventions at job creation by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment that is aimed at facilitating the creation of 2.5 million jobs, directly and indirectly, on an annual incremental basis whilst simultaneously ensuring the welfare and safety of workers across the country.”

NAPTIP Rescues 19 Children Trafficked From Kebbi To Cross River State

By

Akinwale Kasali

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October 1, 2024

0

By Akinwale Kasali

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, has successfully intercepted 19 Children, between the ages of three and six years old, trafficked in batches across Statelines from Kebbi to Calabar, Cross River State Capital.

Confirming the rescue of the Children Governor Nasiru Idris of Kebbi State during a press briefing at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi, disclosed that one of the traffickers was apprehended by NAPTIP, and has confessed to transporting some of the children to Calabar, and aided the agency in locating the remaining victims.

He added that according to the information received, the other children were rescued from the traffickers in Calabar, and three suspects arrested.

The traffickers transported the children to Calabar under the pretence of providing education.

Some of them were sexually abused and subjected to other heinous acts, the arrested traffickers stated.

Governor Idris has however assured Nigerians that the Government would support the children through their trauma and ensure the suspects are prosecuted and made to face the full wrath of the law.

“It’s heartbreaking for these children to be in such circumstances. We cannot comprehend why such things are happening in our state. We were informed that the children had suffered sexual abuse,” he said.

Misbau Iyan Kaura, NAPTIP Commander, Kebbi State Command explained that the traffickers typically moved the children to a hideout in Zamfara State before transferring them to Calabar.

He said NAPTIP team intercepted the last group of children, which led to the rescue of others in Calabar, following a tip-off,” he said.

“Investigations revealed that some of the children were sexually abused. Three individuals have been arrested, and we will ensure their prosecution”, Kaura said.

Bobrisky: “Why We Dropped Money Laundering Charges” – EFCC

By

Akinwale Kasali

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October 1, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has disclosed the reason why it dropped money laundering charges against cross-dresser, Idris Olarenwaju Okuneye, popular as Bobrisky.

This is coming amid investigation by the House of Representative on allegations made by Bobrisky against the EFCC.

The agency said that the money laundering charges were dropped against the Cross-Dresser after evidence proved that his firm did not contravene any provisions of the law.

EFCC added that the charges were lawful dropped against him in compliance with the country’s Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA.

A Prosecutor with the EFCC, Bilikisu Bala, disclosed this on Monday while addressing the House Committee members investigating allegations of corruption against some officers of the Commission, and the Nigeria Correctional Service.

Bala, head of the prosecution team that handled the trial of Bobrisky pointed out to the Committee that the charges were dropped based on the disclosure of the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering, SCUML, that Okunenye’s firm, Bob Express, was not a Designated Non Financial Institution, Business and Profession, DSNFIBP, and could not be prosecuted for flouting provisions of the Money Laundering Prevention & Prohibition Act, 2022.

“We initially raised six count charges bordering on Naira Abuse and Money Laundering against Okuneye based on his confessional statement that his firm, Bob Express, was not registered with SCUML and was not rendering returns to it.

“Counts 1-4 were on Naira Abus, while counts five and six were on money laundering. Okuneye’s confession that he didn’t register his firm, Bob Express with SCUML and not rendering returns to it informed the money laundering charges initially included in the six count charges.

“However, when we wrote to SCUML on the status of the firm, the Unit responded that it was not a Designated Non-Financial Institution, Business and Profession, DSNFIBP. We cannot lawfully sustain the charges in all sincerity. We, therefore dropped them and relied on the four counts on Naira mutilation to which Okuneye had pleaded guilty”, she said.

The prosecutor dismissed claims of financial inducement in dropping charges maintaining that no such thing happened.

“There is simply no basis for that. The Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, allows amendment of charges. It is a professional practice. It is laughable for anyone to attribute our decision to monetary issues. Why did we write to SCUML if we didn’t want to include the charges? We wrote to be lawfully guided and when the Unit responded that the firm had not breached any law, on what basis should we have retained the money laundering charges?”, she said.

Bala, who appeared before the Committee with top management staff of the EFCC, charged the Committee to critically look into all the issues raised against the EFCC and make public its findings in the interest of justice.

Chief of Staff to EFCC’s Chairman, Commander of the EFCC, CE Michael Nzekwe, who stood for the Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, restated the seriousness the Commission attached to integrity of its staff.

“We viewed the allegation of bribery against our officers seriously. Integrity is one of our core values. This is why we are here to place all the facts involved in the trial of Okuneye in the public domain”, he said.

Okuneye, an ex-convict, had alleged in a viral video that he offered N15,000,000 (Fifteen Million Naira) as a bribe to some unnamed EFCC officers to drop money laundering charges against him.

He denies he made any such audio call, dismissed the recording as fake, and tye handiwork of AI.